Originally Posted by
The Juice
However what I do not understand is the 9E anger towards 9L and XJ. You do not like the decision handed down by the judge why aren't you more upset with the lawyers (Merger Committee) that represented your case in front of the judge? The Arbitrator based his decision on what was presented to him by the 3 sides. Bloch did not have any ill will towards the pilots of 9E, he based his decision on what was presented throughout the process.
Colgan pilots need to realize that if they're pre-merger, they probably would be out of a job by now had it not been for Pinnacle. They definitely wouldn't have those Q400s, new contract, job stability, or bidding options. If they're post merger, they probably never would've been able to get a job... the company wouldn't have been hiring.
Mesaba pilots need to realize that had it not been for Pinnacle, a significant number of their pilots would be on the street and many more would be downgraded. They could possibly be facing a much uglier future involving some other merger or buyout (think something involving Comair...)
Both pilot groups are now facing a significantly brighter future and it is, currently, coming at the expense of a lot of Pinnacle pilots. Everyone needs to be more humble and realize that nobody came in and saved the day... and realize that if you're gaining something over what you would've had if it weren't for Pinnacle, its probably coming at the expense of someone else.
Pinnacle pilots are sick of hearing how the Q400s (that they bought) are Colgan's and only Colgan pilots deserve those slots/upgrades. They're also sick of hearing about how Mesaba came in and saved the day and got everyone a new contract. How about everyone just bite their tongues a little more and realize some pilots are getting seriously shafted while others are getting a golden ticket.